Meet Jerry Walker | Business Owner & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerry Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerry, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When first starting Atlanta Portrait Studio I was doing everything solo. I did not have another person to cover everything that needed to be done so there was little time for anything outside of work. Overtime since we have grown in business I am able to take a week off and not worry about the business running smoothly because we have a great team of photographers now who can hold it down while I’m away.

I think about the balance as a necessity because as a business owner it is easy to get caught up and consumed in work. It is very hard to put the phone down or not check your email or reports etc. Especially to not check anything for an entire day or longer can be very hard to do. However, I think it’s important to take that time to reset and relax your mental and physical to continue running a healthy work environment and business in general.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would say as a creative it was not easy. There are not many FULL TIME photographers and as the only source of income. Many people use their art or creative side as a “side gig” vs their full time income. So transitioning my love of photography into my full time profession was not easy. The way I overcame this challenge was to try different things and finding out what worked or didn’t work. Along the way I have learned that as a business owner there will be slow days and you can not freak out when you have those slower moments. I just want the world to know that I am a solo entrepreneur and that it takes a lot to run an entire business of this caliber alone. However I do everyday and it is possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would says ILUVBOWLING, RAYS IN THE CITY, ATLANTIC STATION, OCTOPUS LOUNGE, WEST MIDTOWN.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I don’t have one person but I definitely want to shout out just the Atlanta Community. They have definitely supported me as a black owned business and they continue to do so.

Website: https://AtlantaPortraitStudio.com

Instagram: @AtlantaPortraitStudio

Linkedin: @AtlantaPortraitStudio

Facebook: @AtlantaPortraitStudio